The new boss at Southport Flower Show has revealed his ambitions to provide a welcome boost to businesses in Southport.
Alan Adams began his role as General Manager of Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Events in February, with high hopes for the 2020 Show. Sadly, the coronavirus outbreak struck the country in March and the event, the biggest independent flower show in the UK, was postponed.
Alan is keen to engage with local businesses and local people as he develops his plans for the future.
One of his aims is to revive the popular Southport Summer Classics, last held at Victoria Park in 2009, and which hosted stars including: Marc Almond, Jools Holland, Russell Watson, George Benson, Rick Astley, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Jamie Cullum.
He said: “It is crucial that we attract visitors by providing inspiring events for people of all ages.
“They will in turn use our hotels and restaurants and with increased footfall, our high street will be encouraged to regenerate.”
Alan took on the role of General Manager of Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park Events after 30 years in the Civil Service, saying that “the opportunity to leave to pursue one’s passion doesn’t come around very often”.
He said: “After being a volunteer for over 15 years at the show and serving as a Trustee Director for the last three years, the opportunity to take on my dream job was too good to miss. I love the show, the park and Southport and want to bring the good times back to our town, now more important than ever following the pandemic.”
Alan was born in Nuneaton and moved to Southport at the age of 9 when his family bought a newsagents in Birkdale in 1979. He has a great passion for the town and its community and proudly regards himself as an adopted Sandgrounder.
Alan took over in February and has already faced a number of challenges in his first few months.
He said: “The pandemic has hit the event industry very hard. It’s so upsetting to cancel the Show in my first year but the health and safety of everyone involved was paramount.
“Due to the massive financial impact I also had to make the heartbreaking decision to reduce our expenditure through staff redundancies. My colleagues have been very understanding and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them once again for their dedication and support over the years.”
Despite the current situation, Alan remains very positive and has high hopes and lots of ambition for the future of Victoria Park and Southport.
He said: “Victoria Park is a fantastic asset for the town and one of the prime event spaces in the North West.
“It is crucial that we attract visitors by providing inspiring events for people of all ages. They will in turn use our hotels and restaurants and with increased footfall, our high street will be encouraged to regenerate.
“I have a great passion for this town and want to see it re-emerge with a fresh new vibrancy.
“Amongst other events that I have ideas for, I would love to see the return of the Summer Classics in the Park. This event was very popular and holds great memories for locals and visitors. I have been asked many times if I can bring back a music event to our park and if this is what people want, I promise to do my utmost to try and make it happen.
“I am always happy to listen to your ideas about the Flower Show and Victoria Park and I can be contacted at info@southportflowershow.co.uk”
